Does Lemon Balm Attract Bees?

Bees are strongly attracted to lemon balm for its nectar. Beekeepers used to rub hives with the leaves to attract bees to them. Officinalis is Latin for “of the (druggist’s) storeroom”, indicating the herb’s history of medicinal use.

What does lemon balm attract?

When lemon balm flowers, it brings in bees and butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. (Check out other plants I recommend to attract pollinators here.)

What smells are bees attracted to the most?

Since nectar is sweet, it makes sense that bees would be attracted to sugars and fragrances that smell flowery or sweet. That’s why you may notice bees at your picnic, especially if you’re drinking sugary sodas or eating fruits, such as pineapple and watermelon.

Is lemon balm and lemon bee balm the same?

Bee Balm and Lemon Balm are not the same plant but both are members of the mint family, Lamiaceae. The visual difference is Bee Balm is larger and produces deep red flowers while Lemon Balm is smaller and has small white flowers.

Is lemon balm a good companion plant?

Lemon balm companion planting is a real boon in the garden, as this perennial herb attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators, while the strong, citrusy odor deters several unwelcome pests, including gnats and mosquitoes. Some gardeners even claim that lemon balm helps keep weeds in check.

What does lemon balm repel?

Lemon balm repels mosquitoes and gnats. Commonly grown as ornamental border plants, marigolds are hardy annual plants which have a distinctive smell which mosquitoes, and some other insects, find particularly offensive.

Is lemon balm invasive?

If not carefully controlled, lemon balm can quickly become invasive in the garden. Often, people mistakenly think that lemon balm is invasive due to its roots, like its cousins peppermint and spearmint, but in fact it’s the seeds of the lemon balm plant that cause this herb to suddenly take over a garden.

What do bees hate most?

Bees have a much better sense of smell than humans, which they use to find pollination sources. You can use this trait to your advantage by utilizing scents that bees hate such as lemon and lime juice, citronella, cinnamon, peppermint, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, almond oil, smoke, and vinegar.

Is there a scent that bees don’t like?

Bees also have a distaste for lavender oil, citronella oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, lemon, and lime. These are all topical defenses you can add to your skin to keep bees away. Unlike other flying insects, bees are not attracted to the scent of humans; they are just curious by nature.

What to do if a bee is chasing you?

Remain calm and quietly move away until bees are out of sight. If bees attack, run away in a straight line and take shelter inside a car or building as soon as possible. If under attack, use your arms and hands or shirt to shield your face and eyes from stings.

Is lemon balm poisonous?

When taken by mouth: Lemon balm is likely safe when consumed in amounts found in foods. Lemon balm supplements are possibly safe when used at a dose of up to 500 mg daily for up to 6 months. Side effects are generally mild and might include increased appetite, nausea, dizziness, and wheezing.

Does lemon balm spread like mint?

Lemon balm does not spread by underground runners like mint. It will increase in size, though, making a bigger clump in the garden each season and sprouting from seeds that develop from inconspicuous flowers.

Is citronella the same as lemon balm?

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) contains more citronella—as much as 400 times more—than the Mosquito Plant. And it turns out both lemon thyme and lemon balm are less expensive and easier to grow.

Does lemon balm grow fast?

Lemon Balm ( Melissa officinalis ) is a perennial herb that is related to mint but has a surprising lemony aroma. It is known for its medicinal purposes, as a cooking ingredient, and is used in herbal teas. The lemon balm plant can grow 12 to 24 inches high and wide, and typically grows quickly.

Can lavender and lemon balm grow together?

All plants can benefit from lavender, especially chamomile, lettuce, brassicas, onions, tomatoes, oregano, thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary, basil, lemon balm, squash, olive and fruit trees. Not compatible with plants that need allot of water and shade.

Can mint and lemon balm grow together?

Just because mint proliferates doesn’t mean that you can’t plant it together with other herbs. Mint grows well with basil, oregano, and lemon balm.

Is lemon balm toxic to dogs?

Lemon balm, known scientifically as Melissa officinalis, is a non-toxic herb that can be used on dogs, cats, and even horses. As a supplement for your dog, lemon balm has many benefits that may help with several different conditions.

What bugs does lemon balm attract?

Among the insects attracted to lemon balm are tachinid flies, hoverflies and parasitic wasps. It is also said to repel mosquitos if you rub it on your skin. Lemon balm can work as a pest repellant. These blue flowers will bring ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic mini-wasps, bees and butterflies to your garden.

Does lemon balm come back every year?

Over-winter lemon balm in a protected area such as an unheated garage or patio. Winter growing: Cut back lemon balm in fall leaving just 2 inches of stem. The plant may freeze back to the ground in winter but will re-grow from underground roots and renew itself in spring.

Is lemon balm an aggressive plant?

Lemon Balm
A vigorous and attractive lemon-scented perennial herb that tolerates poor, droughty soils. Spreads aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, but makes an attractive filler and background, especially variegated varieties.

Does lemon balm repel ants?

Lemon Balm
This member of the mint family emits a clean lemon scent. Mosquitoes don’t like it. Neither do flies and ants.